No. You do not have to become a USMS member to participate in Sebastopol Masters Aquatic Club practices. However, we do encourage everyone that is going to join to become a USMS member in order for USMS liability and insurance to be in effect, every Masters participate in practice must be a USMS member.

What kind of experience is needed?

No experience is needed. The Masters coach works with swimmers in groups and individually to place swimmers in lanes according to speed and ability.

Why should I join Masters?

Many swimmers participate in open water swims, swim meets and triathlons. Masters is the best way for a coach to provide instruction and training with a group.

About the Coach

Donita Flecker

Coach Donita has been coaching and teaching group and private lessons now for many years to kids and adults of all ages and abilities. She swam competitively for two years at Santa Rosa Junior College and red shirted Water Polo for one. She graduated from Santa Rosa Junior College with an Associates degree in Liberal Arts and later from Sonoma State University with her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. She is currently pursuing furthering her career in teaching and education.

Donita has always had a passion for the water, as well as the outdoors. As a child growing up, some of her hobbies included water skiing, recreational swimming, inner-tubing, kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking, hiking and camping.

Coach Donita is very caring, compassionate and understanding when it comes to any special needs or requests you may have. She can also push and motivate you to always give your very best when needed. She is very competitive in the pool, as well as on deck, yet patient and receptive to everyone’s individual and specific needs.

Donita currently coaches Sebastopol Masters here in Sebastopol, as well as assistant coaches swimming every spring at the high school for which she attended, Montgomery located in Santa Rosa. She also volunteers once a week at The Living Room in the Mother and Child Program for the last five years. Donita resides in Santa Rosa with her family and enjoys swimming, road biking and spending time with her cat Rosie on her days off. Her summer work includes Head Lifeguarding and Swim Lesson Coordinating at Ives Pool.